Startup:Calm
VC: Napoleon Ta, Founders Fund
Relationship: No relation. Just thinks it's cool.
Total raised: $28 million
What it does: Calm is a popular mobile app for meditation, sleep and overall mental wellness.
Why it's hot in 2019: "Calm is driving a real positive social impact by helping its users alleviate anxiety, depression, insomnia and a number of other ailments," says Ta.
He notes that with 35 million downloads, Calm has outpaced its competitors while raising less money and "still has huge potential to grow by expanding internationally and evolving into a more comprehensive wellness brand."
Original author: Julie Bort